During any stay abroad, it is essential to keep our identification documents safe because losing them can put us in a difficult situation when we need them to return to our country.
To avoid theft, loss, or damage of your identification documents, passport, or other documents while abroad, the ideal option is to be cautious and strategically store your documents to prevent any kind of theft or loss. Keep in mind that as a tourist, you will be a prime target for pickpockets, and you may feel a bit lost and disoriented, so it’s important to be vigilant and careful at all times.
Below, we will discuss several key ideas and actions to safely preserve our identification documents during our travels:
1) Do not keep your documents in your wallet or suitcase
While it may be convenient to carry everything in your wallet, it is a serious mistake when traveling. We must be aware that as tourists, we are seen by others as potential targets, making us vulnerable to pickpockets who know we carry money and may be distracted. Additionally, storing your documents in your suitcase is also not a great idea since pickpockets can take advantage of small moments of carelessness to steal our entire luggage.
Taking precautions and being careful, it is very difficult for someone to steal your wallet. In fact, nowadays, even if we are careless, the chances of being robbed are low in most cities. However, if it were to happen, it would be advisable to keep your documents and some money well-hidden in a different place than your wallet. This way, if your wallet gets stolen, you would still have some money and your identification, allowing you to at least return to your country.
2) Store your documents in an inner pocket
As mentioned before, storing your documents in your wallet or suitcase makes you an easy target for criminals. On the contrary, the ideal place to keep your documents is in an inner pocket. These types of pockets, when closed and out of sight from the outside, make it impossible for them to be stolen. Therefore, it is also recommended to keep your wallet in a different inner pocket for added security. Usually, in cooler seasons, it is easy and practical to wear a jacket with these types of pockets. However, it can be more challenging in summer. In this case, you can use a good-quality waist pouch and try to conceal it from view with a long shirt.
In the following link, we show you an ideal waist bag for traveling, as well as many other recommended anti-theft products. At a great price, you can get a lightweight and high-quality waist bag that allows you to prevent any type of theft, as wearing it on the front waist makes it impossible for someone to rob you without you noticing.
3) Protect your documents with a sleeve or cover
To prevent any damage to your identification documents, it’s important to keep them well-protected in a sleeve or cover and avoid putting too much pressure on them. This way, you can prevent the pages of your passport from cracking or getting wet, and avoid any potential breakage of your documents.
4) Note down the address of your Embassy or Consulate
Whether it’s due to theft, loss, damage, expiration, or any other reason for your identification document, you can apply for a new passport or a legal travel document to return to your country at any Embassy or Consulate of your nationality. It is essential to know the address of the nearest Embassy or Consulate of your country to your destination abroad. In case you need to go there, being well-informed in advance will help you avoid wasting time in urgent situations.
5) Carry two passport-size photos and document copies
If you need to apply for a new passport or legal travel document at the Embassy or Consulate of your nationality, besides the report of theft or loss, they will also require two passport-size photos and a copy of your document. You may also provide any other document that contains your photo, such as a driver’s license.
Final advice:
As you have seen, simply being cautious and careful will help you keep your identification documents safe during your trip abroad. If you found our article on how to safeguard your identification or passport while abroad useful, you might also be interested in learning what to do if you lose your documents abroad. If that’s the case, don’t miss our next post: What to do if you lose or have your passport or ID stolen abroad